By JUSTIN REESE – With the help of new coach Micheal McKealvy, IHS girls varsity soccer has kicked off the 2019 season on the right foot.

The girls started the season with a 5-1 win against Apollo-Ridge on August 30. Following their first game, the girls lost against Burrell on August 31, 3-0.

Rebounding from the loss, the girls had two consecutive wins, first against Dubois Area on September 3, winning 6-0. The second win was against Franklin Regional on September 4, with an end score of 3-2.

Trailing their wins, the team lost to Mars 7-0 in the WPIAL Section 1 – AAA. The junior varsity team also lost their game, 9-0. After this loss, the team went on to lose against  Armstrong. Senior Hannah Scardina shot three goals, totaling four after junior Sydney Crane added another. The team won the game 4-0. 

“I had a good outlook on the season, despite losing six starters this year because we had some good players coming up,” Scardina expressed. “My favorite part of the season was working my way up to beating the school record of 18 goals, and getting to play with some new teammates.”  Scardina added that she’s giving these last few games “her all” in hopes of playing in college.

In their game against Hampton in the WPIAL Section 1-AAA, Crane scored in the first half, followed by a point made by Scardina in the second half. The girls lost the match 3-2. 

Sophomore Lizzie Lee added to what Scardina had to say, “Going into the season has been a little bit different, with losing so many senior players. We struggled with getting enough players to form a team, as well as getting to know each other. Overall we have had a good season and I hope to finish this season off even better than last year.”

Junior Allie Rutledge stated,“I wasn’t expecting to be one of the top teams in the section because we lost nine seniors from last year. However, after winning and playing extremely well, I had some hopes for this season.” Among Rutledge’s favorite moments was winning against Franklin Regional. She hopes to finish the year “As strong as we can and savor the last few games we have with our favorite seniors.”

The girls are looking forward to their last few games of the season at Gateway on October 12 and at Knoch on October 14.

Make sure to cheer on and support the IHS girls varsity soccer team in the next few weeks as they bring their successful and unique season to a hopefully noteworthy ending.

[Photo by Fima Sissoko]

Photo Caption: “Hannah Scardina kicks the ball away from her opponent.”